Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
prompted if, for example, the person works with a bent and twisted back or with bent
knees for more than 70% of the time.
RULA Method
Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) is similar to OWAS (McAtamney and Corlett,
1993) (see Figure 9.10). Postures are evaluated using numbers; the greater the number,
the worse the posture. Values of force are then estimated.
Figure 9.10 shows the items for assessment when using the RULA method. Group A
measures the effect on the arms and hands, and Group B measures the effect on the neck
and the trunk. Average values of the postures for Group A and Group B are calculated
and the exerted force is added to form an overall score. Just as with the OWAS
evaluation, a grand score is calculated, and if the score is high immediate action is
required.
EXERCISE: EVALUATION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL STRESS FUNCTION
Make copies of the questionnaire in Figure 9.8. Find a workplace where there is much
physical workload, such as a construction site. Find 5 experienced workers (about 40 to
50 years of age) and ask them to fill in the questionnaire. Compare the results.
1. Were the results for the five workers similar? If not, try to explain why.
2. Were there problems with the questionnaire? Try to explain why.
3. How can you, as an ergonomist, increase the motivation of workers to take the
questionnaire seriously and spend the necessary time to fill in the information?
